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Updating the firmware

Use this information to update the system firmware.

Note
You need to upgrade both primary and backup IMM firmware from version 1.59, 1A0032K to the latest IMM firmware version. After the IMM firmware update, you need to perform the following query by using the IPMI command: 
Get device ID  (ipmitool raw 6 1)

Refer to the IMM code change history in the download package for the latest last two bytes' information of the IMM firmware download. If the return result from the IPMI command shows 0x2A 0x41, you need to perform an IMM reset and use the IPMI command to check for the last two bytes again.

Important
Some cluster solutions require specific code levels or coordinated code updates. If the device is part of a cluster solution, verify that the latest level of code is supported for the cluster solution before you update the code.

You can install code updates that are packaged as an UpdateXpress System Pack or UpdateXpress CD image. An UpdateXpress System Pack contains an integration-tested bundle of online firmware and device-driver updates for your server. Use UpdateXpress System Pack Installer to acquire and apply UpdateXpress System Packs and individual firmware and device-driver updates. For additional information and to download the UpdateXpress System Pack Installer, go to the ToolsCenter for System x and BladeCenter at the Lenovo ToolsCenter website and click UpdateXpress System Pack Installer.

When you click an update, an information page is displayed, including a list of the problems that the update fixes. Review this list for your specific problem; however, even if your problem is not listed, installing the update might solve the problem.

Be sure to separately install any listed critical updates that have release dates that are later than the release date of the UpdateXpress System Pack or UpdateXpress image.

There is a backup copy area for the server firmware in the system board. The backup copy of the server firmware can be used when the primary copy of the server firmware becomes corrupted or damaged. If you need to update the server firmware for the backup copy area, complete the following steps:
  1. Go to the IBM UpdateXpress website.
  2. Click Publications to download the latest Lenovo UpdateXpress System Pack Installer (UXSPI) User's Guide.
  3. Follow the procedure in the Updating a local machine from a local directory section.
  4. Select the Target the secondary firmware bank option when you are prompted to select an update option in the Update Options panel.
  5. Complete the remaining steps specified in the guide.
Note
You can also use the Integrated Management Module II to update the server firmware in the system board. Using the Integrated Management Module II method is recommended only when the UpdateXpress update has failed. See the Integrated Management Module II User's Guide at the Integrated Management Module II User's Guide website for more information.
The firmware for the server is periodically updated and is available for download on the Lenovo website. To check for the latest level of firmware, such as the UEFI firmware, vital product data (VPD) code, device drivers, and integrated management module (IMM) firmware, go to the Fix Central website.
Note
Before you update the firmware, be sure to back up any data that is stored in the Trusted Platform Module (TPM), in case any of the TPM characteristics are changed by the new firmware. For instructions, see your encryption software documentation.

Download the latest firmware for the server; then, install the firmware, using the instructions that are included with the downloaded files.

When you replace a device in the server, you might have to either update the firmware that is stored in memory on the device or restore the pre-existing firmware from a diskette or CD image.

The following list indicates where the firmware is stored:

  • UEFI firmware is stored in ROM on the system board.
  • IMM firmware is stored in ROM on the system board.
  • Ethernet firmware is stored in ROM on the Ethernet controller.
  • ServeRAID firmware is stored in ROM on the ServeRAID adapter.
  • SAS/SATA firmware is stored in ROM on the SAS/SATA controller on the system board.